Farmer Wants a Wife, With Its On-Camera Producers, Is the Most Honest Look at Reality-TV Since UnREAL
If you had any doubt that UnREAL delivered an accurate look at the juuust-off-camera machinations on dating shows, Fox’s Farmer Wants a Wife has proven that the Constance Zimmer-led scripted series was the real reality-TV deal.
The main way that Farmer Wants a Wife does that is by occasionally allowing the cameras to show both the farmers and the women they are a-courtin’ engaging in consultations with the producers assigned to them. Audio/subtitles and all.
That unvarnished approach to what makes shows such as this tick became evident in the very first episode of the Fox acquisition, when Allen — a farmer who is far from a smooth talker (and is borderline awk’ at times) — checked in with his producer after his first, lackluster one-on-one with Cassidy Jo.
That look at the “man behind the reality-TV curtain” was very much a bit of a callback to what UnREAL asked us to believe about the hand-holding and talent management that goes on between takes. But more importantly, it was refreshing the way that the Fox series didn’t conceal the consult, and even fleshed out Allen’s story because of it.
The latest, April 5 installment of Farmer Wants a Wife took that transparency to a whole other level when Hailey got to fretting about whatever it is that she and farmer Ryan do or don’t have.
Breaking away from Ryan’s other prospects at a demolition derby group date, a teary Hailey slinked into the shadows to tell her producer, “This man acts like he likes me and he doesn’t! I don’t want to be here. I didn’t come here to be a background character.” (Emphasis, ours.)
The beanie-wearing producer coached Hailey to “go to the bathroom, get yourself together, and tell me what you want to do.” Hailey did so, then insisted to her producer, “I’m done. If Ryan doesn’t want me here then I don’t want to be here.”
The producer quickly directed her to “tell him that. Reconnect with him, and have your conversation about whatever it is that you want to say.” (Spoiler alert: Hailey took the direction, and in doing so learned that Ryan still digs her.)
If you’re among the 3 million people watching Farmer Wants a Wife, what did you make of that jarring appearance by Allen’s producer in Episode 1, and the on-camera producer consults we have been privy to since then? Do you prefer your reality-TV with a more candid presentation?
NOTE: I don’t watch much reality-TV at all — the staff frankly laughs that I am into Farmer Wants a Wife — so I don’t know just how novel this transparency is. But it seems rare.
Started to watch this show as I watch Bachelor/ette, with cynicism and snarkiness. Hate to say it, but I like it. Not sure these women are ready for life on a farm (very few, anyway), but a lot of them seem genuine at least, as do the guys. Kinda embarrassed to say it, but I’m in.
Thank you for finally writing about Farmer. Yes it seems to be different and more “truthful” than the Bachelor. Although most of these women are obviously there for the wrong reasons. There are only a couple that seem to really dig the ranch life. I really like Hunter; he is having a lot of fun but it looks like he is serious about finding at least a girlfriend that enjoys his way of life; I hope Meghan is not too shy to get along with him, because it looks like they have an attraction. Allen is shy and I think he and Rebecca would work well together because she loves the horse life. Cassidy Jo – just no – she is too desperate. Ryan seems to be just a player – he loves them all! Which is OK, and good TV. And Landon will have a problem picking one – I don’t think he is comfortable at all – please don’t pick the green-haired girl! I think she is just looking for a new life and daddy for her kid. I am enjoying this show which is weird because I don’t generally watch reality shows, especially dating ones. I just like ranchers!
I agree with you, Cassidy Jo is a NO. I like Rebecca. I hope he picks her. I am so sad that Meghan left. Sorry for her loss and of course understand that she left. I really thought she was a good fit for Hunter. Landon can’t seem to make a choice. Don’t like Ryan. He’s kissing all of them and giving them all hope.
That was pretty s–ty of Cassidy Jo to lie to the other girls about the kiss with Allen. She kept begging for it. U could tell that he really didn’t want to. I think that girl is wacked.
It’s fun to watch that Allen is so shy. He’s gorgeous though.i totally agree about Ryan being a player.
Indeed! https://tvline.com/2023/04/07/fbi-crossover-event-nina-italy-tv-questions/
Agreed! She seemed like a good fit for him at first, now she’s becoming unhinged and fast!
Except in the initial promos they kept comparing it to Yellowstone. And I said only if there were a train station involved….that would be some reality show….
*you have to have watched Yellowstone to know what I mean-lol.
Ha – yes to the train station! And I’ve been thinking all along that Allen would be right at home in the bunkhouse on Yellowstone. He’s gorgeous, for sure!
I was totally reminded of unReal with the on-camera producer moment!
I am so hooked on this show. I am a long-time Bachelor/ette watcher. TBH, they have shown more producer interaction in the last few years or so, but not as much as with FWaW. One of the things I find really refreshing is the people who are part of the show. Their words aren’t being constantly bleeped, as they are on The Bachelor/ette.
I have now watched show about 3 or 4 weeks. Last night aired on 4/19. This show has more mini commercials than time between the farmer & the ladies. 1 hour show had 5 commercial breaks. Each break had numerous mini commercials advertising different products & other tv shows on fox. I felt like a captive audience to endless stream of commercials. Break 1: had6 commercials. Break 2: 11 commercials. B 3: 8. B4: 7. B5: 4. Fox give us a show not commercials.
How can I get the recaps and the eliminate chart of each Farmer? Wiki don’t have it for this season.
On Farmer wants a wife I hope Allen picks Rebecca because she is down to earth and they have alot in common. She isn’t afraid I’d getting dirty and can keep up with Ryan. Can he keep up with her?
Farmer Hunter is twitterpated with Megan. She is reserved but into him. She would have fun creating Barn Weddings and shindigs at the Farm.
Farmer Ryan well I thought Lily was a good choice but they fiselled out. Do not like Sarah I, I don’t trust her. I could say more but I won’t. The more I see of Sara V the more I like her for Ryan. She is confident and calls it like she sees it. I think Ryan needs that.
Then Farmer Landon to bad Kylie didn’t work out but he did the right thing. I don’t think Ashley R is right for him. But Ashley L is at the top of the list. Not sure Zoe can get her hands dirty. His group has been the hardest.
From mom, grandmother, wife for 46years!